Integrated payload sensor

Abstract

A system for measuring payload is integrated into the cargo carrying bed of a vehicle. The vehicle bed is formed from a plastic material and includes a body member that is supported on a vehicle frame. At least one sensor assembly is molded within the body member. The sensor is positioned over the vehicle frame and generates a weight signal representative of weight of the payload supported on the body member. A central processor receives the weight signal and transmits the weight signal to a vehicle driver. The weight signal can be used to activate a warning device if the payload exceeds a predetermined limit.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A system for measuring a vehicle payload comprising: 
       a body member formed from a plastic material and supported on a vehicle frame; and  
       at least one sensor assembly molded within said body member for generating a weight signal representative of weight of a payload supported on said body member.  
     
     
       2. A system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said sensor assembly is positioned within said body member directly over said vehicle frame. 
     
     
       3. A system as recited in  claim 1  including a central processor for receiving said weight signal and transmitting said weight signal to a driver. 
     
     
       4. A system as recited in  claim 3  including a warning device that is activated when said weight signal exceeds a predetermined limit. 
     
     
       5. A system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said vehicle frame includes a first member for supporting one side of said body member and a second member laterally spaced from said first member for supporting an opposite side of said body member and wherein said at least one sensor assembly is comprised of a first sensor mounted within said body member and positioned over said first frame member and a second sensor mounted within said body member and positioned over said second frame member. 
     
     
       6. A system as recited  claim 5  wherein said body member is formed from a plastic material with said first and second sensors being molded within said material. 
     
     
       7. A system for measuring a vehicle payload comprising: 
       a plastic body member supported on a vehicle frame;  
       at least one sensor assembly molded within said body member for generating a weight signal representative of weight of a payload supported on said body member; and  
       a central processor for receiving said weight signal and transmitting said weight signal to a vehicle driver.  
     
     
       8. A system as recited  claim 7  wherein said sensor assembly is positioned over said vehicle frame. 
     
     
       9. A system as recited  claim 8  wherein said vehicle frame includes a first member for supporting one side of said body member and a second member laterally spaced from said first member for supporting an opposite side of said body member and wherein said at least one sensor assembly is comprised of a first sensor molded within said body member and positioned over said first frame member and a second sensor molded within said body member and positioned over said second frame member. 
     
     
       10. A system as recited  claim 9  including a warning device that is activated when said weight signal exceeds a predetermined limit. 
     
     
       11. A system as recited  claim 9  wherein said first sensor generates a first signal representative of a portion of the payload supported on said first frame member and said second sensor generates a second signal representative of a portion of the payload supported on said second frame member. 
     
     
       12. A system as recited  claim 11  wherein said processor compares said first and second signals to determine payload distribution on said body member. 
     
     
       13. A system as recited  claim 12  including a warning device that is activated if said first signal exceeds said second signal by a predetermined amount. 
     
     
       14. A system as recited  claim 9  including a first fender, a second fender laterally spaced from said first fender, a rear body portion interconnecting said first and second fenders at one end, a front body portion interconnecting said first and second fenders at an opposite end, and said body member formed as a substantially planar bottom portion attached to said first fender, said second fender, said rear body portion, and said front body portion to form a bed. 
     
     
       15. A method for producing a vehicle payload measuring system comprising the steps of: 
       providing a cargo bed for transporting a vehicle payload wherein the bed has a generally planar bottom member formed from a plastic material;  
       molding at least one sensor into the bottom member; and  
       mounting The bottom member on a vehicle frame.  
     
     
       16. A method as recited in  claim 15  including the step of positioning the sensor over the vehicle frame. 
     
     
       17. A system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said body member comprises a truck bed. 
     
     
       18. A system as recited in  claim 17  wherein said sensor assembly is at least partially encased within a bottom portion of said truck bed. 
     
     
       19. A system as recited  7  wherein said body member comprises a truck bed and said sensor assembly is at least partially enclosed within a bottom portion of said truck bed.